Tulsi | Everything you Need to Know about this Queen

Tulsi is certainly having “a moment” in our Western culture. But, it’s very interesting to note that Tulsi has been having a moment in India for the last five thousand years! Prized for its numerous health benefits, Tulsi, or Holy Basil, as it is also known, is a key ingredient in Ayurveda. In fact…

… the Sanskrit meaning of Tulsi is, “the incomparable one”.

One of its most important characteristics is its role as an “adaptagen” – meaning it responds to our body’s stress (whether physical, metabolic, chemical, or psychological.)

It can be used in many forms, including as an herbal tea, a dried powder, or even as a fresh leaf in cooked dishes.

Today, Ayurvedic and naturopathic practice use Tulsi to treat the following conditions:

1. Anxiety – it normalizes blood sugar and cortisol levels which work as a natural anti-depressant and anti-anxiety treatment.
2. Anti-inflammatory.
3. Cognitive Function – may improve drug and/or age-induced problems with memory.
4. Blood Pressure – contains high amounts of potassium, which is known to lower blood pressure.
5. Diabetes and Blood Sugar Regulation.
6. Liver Function – known to protect the organ against toxins.
7. Stomach Ulcers – decreases acid production and increases the secretion of protective mucous.
8. Anti-oxidant – many cancer-fighting properties.
9. Analgesic – natural pain-fighting qualities.
10. Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral, and Anti-fungal properties.

And the list of healing characteristics goes on…

 In terms of its nutritional composition, it contains the following vitamins and minerals: vitamins C and A; potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and iron; as well as several phytonutrients.

Ayurvedic traditions also revere Tulsi for its spiritual qualities. It is known to provide clarity, warmth, and lightness. It can be found growing in many home gardens throughout India, is thought to be a good omen at weddings, and to serve as a purifier at a deathbed.

This “Queen of Herbs” is high is Sattva (the Aurvedic principle of clarity, light, and perception.”

It is thought to infuse us with its divine energy, heighten awareness, and open the heart and mind to love and devotion. Additionally, another benefit of Tulsi is its ability to lower kapha (when kapha is in excess, it can lead to sluggish behaviour and metabolism and congestion).

And, because of its delicious and aromatic flavour, incorporating Tulsi into your diet is not difficult.

When combined with the following ingredients, the benefits of Tulsi are enhanced even more:  

• ginger (to boost the immune system)
• fennel, ginger, and cardamom (to aid in digestion)
• honey (for excess kapha)
• ghee (to boost Sattva and Ojas – perception and clarity)

And now for a recipe….

Homemade Tulsi Tea

Ingredients:

4 to 6 sprigs of fresh Tulsi

1 quart water

Directions:

1. Lay out sprigs on a drying rack for 24 hours to wilt.
2. Heat water to 190 F.
3. Add sprigs to a mason jar and pour water over.
4. Cover with lid and let steep for 15 min to allow oils and flavours to develop.
5. Strain sprigs and cool to drinkable temperature.

We hope that you have enjoyed learning about this super-herb as much as we have enjoyed sharing it with you. And, we encourage you to steep up some Tulsi tea (you can also purchase Tulsi tea bags at any health food store), or incorporate some Holy Basil into your next savoury dish. Your senses and your body will thank you.

Lastly, thank you so much for visiting! I hope you have found some valuable information, if so, I’d love to hear about it!

Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might benefit, and comments are always welcome!

I look forward to connecting with you next time!

And be sure to check out why you should order your family’s next meal courtesy of Ki’s Kitchen  

From our kitchen to yours,

Love + Peace

Kiran